make your resolutions stick + get what you want this year!

You’ve probably heard in the media how ‘99% of new year’s resolutions are tossed into the wind after the second week’.

Or the ruffled gym veterans complaining about the influx of fitness-hopefuls that take up valuable machine space in January. (ya gotta start somewhere)

When did resolutions get such a bad rap?

If the universe is giving us any sense of a fresh start, whether it be in our little minds or otherwise, shouldn’t grab it?

There is nothing like a new calendar year to reevaluate what we stand for, what we are working towards, and why we are here on this little planet earth.

let’s talk about #goals

Making actionable goals and resolutions has been my #1 way to see positive results (aka get what you want) in my clients and own life. The practice of managing goals weekly, monthly and yearly will help you stay positive, driven and living with purpose.

The following are my tried and true methods for forming resolutions that are BULLETPROOF.

break it down

Have you make a goal that was so spectacular, so grandios, you didn’t even know where to begin?

I’m all for dreaming big, but baby steps, my friend. So you want to be a center stage fitness competitor 9 months from now.

Where on earth to begin?

Your best chance of achieving this ‘big’ goal is to break it up into bitty chunks… 1 month from now, 3 months from now…6 months from now. From there you can make a detailed action plan that allows you successfully nail these little milestones (hint: this is where the hustle comes in)

2. be accountable

Being accountable means you are being held responsible for the choices you take, actions you make and following through with your commitment to reaching your goals.

In short, having accountability can mean the difference between you giving up after a week and pushing on.

Pick a reliable friend, parent or ask your boyfriend to send you friendly reminders when you are steering off track, and send you that little boost of motivation when you are ready to give up. Make sure you are both committed, and they know how much this means to you.

You will have a lot harder time giving up and disappointing someone else, rather than just yourself.

Example: ‘hey lucy! so remember how last year i kept getting migraines after we drank wine and it really affected my life negatively…i threw up all over your carpet that one time and you were pretty mad….yeah….about that…this year i’m trying out living without alcohol. that means when we go out for dinner i’m going to order a shirly temple or perrier and you can’t make fun of me…in fact it would mean a lot to me if you could be my accountability buddy’

And hey, if you don’t have a friend up to the challenge pick ME! I’d love to help you reach your goals.

3. do your research

Great thing about 2016…There is free information EVERYWHERE! SO you want to be a regional tango dancing champion this year and you’ve never set foot in a ballroom. Where to begin?

Get to your local library, hit up youtube, join a club and educate your every pore on the who, where, and why’s of tango. I did this recently with public speaking- a quick search online will provide you with a slew of recommended book titles, blogs and podcasts by professionals and others in your desired field. Heck, there is even clubs, meet ups, and facebook groups to help you embrace this new part of your life!

The more you understand the root+ reasoning behind your goal {ie. Weight lifting is great for self esteem and blood sugar regulation} the better you are able to nourish this dream.

4. make it visual

You already know how much I love my morning visualization. Now lets get those sparkly dreams out of your head and onto something physical, shall we?

You can do this in a couple of ways.

A Dream Board: in your office, kitchen or bedroom that have shiny visuals of locations, bodies, jobs, pets, homes and jobs you want in your life! The best part is as time goes by you can look back at how many things on your board have already become reality.

Post it Notes: these work well on your fridge, mirror or computer for little reminders as you go about your day!

Frame it: use some of your unwanted picture frames to house a few of your favourite quotes printed out in funky writing. A quick google image or pinterest search will provide you with all you need for a little inspirational ooomph!

Your iphone: that ‘notes’ section is just gathering dust, make use of it by keeping reminders of what you are working towards + any of motivational reminders you’d like to keep on hand.

What is YOUR tried and true way of staying on track of your goals and resolutions? Let me know in the comments below!